Canterbury is the South Island’s true heartland, from patchwork plains to Southern Alps. This special region has all the right ingredients for a field of healthy and highly eligible bachelors.

When visitors ask us where to find New Zealand’s hottest bachelors, we encourage them to start in Christchurch and Canterbury.

As the reputation goes, this region’s “date night” staples are lamb shanks and a Swandrii, and “getting into something comfortable” means pulling out the possum slippers.

Our list, of where to look for Canterbury’s hottest bachelors, will help defy stereotypes and put this special region back on radar of travellers looking for romance – and the hottest bachelors in the southern hemisphere.

1. High Country Bachelors

Want to follow the Canterbury bachelor trail and find the men of which legends are made? Start at Terrace Downs Resort. The menu of activities caters to “his” as well as “hers” – how about jet boating, archery or a horse safari?

Alternatively, spend a day in the spa and enjoy a water lily facial treatment – with views to the Southern Alps.

Any place that promises clay pigeon shooting alongside shiatsu massage is “girls weekend” paradise – and an ideal base camp for searching out New Zealand’s most eligible bachelors.

Bachelor Profile: Bring your nine iron.

2. Surf Bachelors

Christchurch beaches have wide appeal – from uncrowded sandy stretches and peaceful hidden bays. The lack of crowds means two things. It’s not unusual to have “Ocean to Alps” views almost all to yourself, from the pier at North Brighton to Cave Rock at Sumner and the view to Godley Head at Taylor’s Mistake.

It’s also not unusual to find some of Canterbury’s most tanned and toned bachelors, paddling in the surf or waiting for a break.

Christchurch has a strong surf lifesaving culture and on a weekend afternoon, there’s plenty of training going on for keen spectators – just remember to stay between the flags.

Bachelor Profile: Think Baywatch minus the Hoff.

3. Alpine Bachelors

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets – turn off before you reach Twizel (4 hours from Christchurch City), and you’ll be shocked at how soon you find yourself in the shadow of the Southern Alps – where countless day walks, local mountaineering history and iceberg cruises await.

This is a region where mountains have made an impression on many men and women – inspiring a sense of adventure that remains in the climbers, conservationists and explorers who make their holidays here.

Bachelor Profile: Think Sir Edmund.

4. Cruise Bachelors

Akaroa Harbouris one of the best places in the world to view Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest, rarest and possibly friendliest dolphin. In fact, you can do more than have a look – there are opportunities to swim with the Hector’s dolphins yourself or cruise the crater of this ancient volcano.

For every boat there's a captain, and we all know what they say about a man wearing a uniform (or a wetsuit).

Bachelor Profile: Think “fish ‘n’ chips” for date night.

5. Rebuild Bachelors

There is a flurry of activity in Canterbury of the rebuild type and this means an influx of tradesmen from all corners of the globe. The numbers are definitely in the favour of the women folk and we are told that there are plenty of men to go around. You will generally find these bachelors clad in high-vis vests and are responsible for installations like the ReStart Mall, Cardboard Cathedral and the many bars and eateries popping up around the city.